McKenzie River oil spill prompts warnings; boat ramps closed

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) - Authorities closed three boat ramps along the McKenzie River after a ruptured hydraulic line sent oil into the water.

State Department of Environmental Quality officials warned people to avoid a seven-mile stretch of the river between Hayden Bridge in northeast Springfield and Armitage Park just outside the Eugene city limits.

Authorities say an estimated 200 gallons of oil leaked into the river from the nearby International Paper mill. The company said in a statement that it’s working closely with state investigators to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

The Eugene Water & Electric Board relies on the McKenzie River as Eugene’s water source. An agency spokesman tells The Register-Guard there is no threat to the drinking water.

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Information from: The Register-Guard, http://www.registerguard.com